Assessment of Artisanal Fish Farming Activities Among River Niger Communities in Kogi State
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
This study examined the major activities and production trends of artisanal fish farming among communities along the River Niger using survey data collected in 2025. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse respondents’ perceptions. Findings reveal that artisanal fish farming is a key livelihood activity, with 83% of respondents agreeing that it constitutes their primary source of income. Traditional fishing methods remain dominant, as indicated by 81% agreement, while 72% reported reliance on natural water bodies for fish breeding and rearing. However, 74% acknowledged a gradual increase in the use of modern aquaculture techniques. Fish preservation and processing practices were less consistent, with 68% participation and 29% indicating non-involvement. Regarding production trends, 90% of respondents observed a significant increase in fish production over the past five years, while 82% agreed that available resources support high production levels. Furthermore, 87% reported year-round fish availability, and 82% indicated that supply meets local demand. Notably, 87% affirmed that the River Niger still provides abundant fish resources. The study concludes that artisanal fish farming remains vital and moderately evolving, though constrained by limited modernization and infrastructural gaps, highlighting the need for sustainable management and technological advancement.
Downloads
References
Abdullahi, A., Li, X., He, J., Song, C., Chinedu, D., & Li, H. (2025). The current situation and historical progression of fisheries and aquaculture in Nigeria: Strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and future prospects for investors. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 13(6), 45–54.
Adewumi, A. A., & Olaleye, V. F. (2021). Fish production and aquaculture development in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. Nigerian Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture, 9(2), 45–56.
Amponsah, S. K., Azumah, D. D., & Agyakwah, S. K. (2025). Aquaculture in Africa: Production systems, challenges, and opportunities. In M. Atamanalp et al. (Eds.), Emerging trends in fisheries: Sustainable practices and new perspectives. IntechOpen.
Atawodi, J. C., Abovegodwin, G. O., Ngwamah, J. S., & Ugwoke, V. E. (2024). A critical review of fish production dynamics and sustainability in Nigeria.
Awolumate, S., & Fregene, B. T. (2025). Efficiency status in artisanal fishing amidst overfishing, pollution, and infrastructure development in Nigeria. Applied Sciences, Computing, and Energy Journal, 2(1).
Barange, M., Bahri, T., Beveridge, M., Cochrane, K., Funge-Smith, S., & Poulain, F. (2024). The state of world fisheries and aquaculture: Blue transformation in action. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Report, 4(1), 1–210.
Central Bank of Nigeria. (2024). Fishery sector development initiative. Retrieved from https://www.cbn.gov.ng
Emere, M. C., & Dibal, D. M. (2013). A survey of methods of fish processing and preservation employed by artisanal fishermen in Kaduna City. Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science.
Federal Department of Fisheries. (2023). Annual fisheries statistics report in Nigeria. Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Report, 12(3), 18–33.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (1994). Fish processing and preservation in Africa. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2024). Global fisheries and aquaculture production statistics. FAO Fisheries Statistical Series, 18(2), 1–85.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2025). The state of world fisheries and aquaculture 2025. Rome: FAO.
Food and Agriculture Organization. (2023). Global food security situation and nutrition report.FAO Food Policy Review, 19(1), 10–85.
Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (1970). Sample size determination table. Educational and psychological Measurement, 30(3), 607-610.
Neiland, A. E., Béné, C., & Ladu, B. M. (2022). Contribution of artisanal fisheries to rural livelihoods in Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 17(5), 733–742.
Ogunremi, J. B., Onimisi, M. M., Oshinmagye, M. I., & Opaluwa, H. I. (2023). Socio-economic characteristics, artisanal methods, and constraints among fishers in the Lower River Niger, Nigeria. Nigerian Agricultural Journal, 54(1), 238–242.
Ojo, A. S., Akingbola, O. A., Gbadamosi, M. A., Samuel, O. O., Mustapha, S. D., Mustapha, A. A., Aboderin, E. O., Olabamiji, I. O., & Ajanaku, V. O. (2025). Assessing sustainable fishing strategies in Nigeria’s artisanal fisheries. Global Journal of Fisheries Science, 7(5), 153–166.
Oshinmagye, M. I., Ikponmwen, E. G., Mohammed, A. M., & Ogunremi, J. B. (2024). Artisanal practices, prospects, perception, and challenges among fishers in Lower River Niger, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production.
Oyetade, O. P., Akinsafe, N. B., Ojebiyi, W. G., Oyebamiji, B. A., Aminu, O. K., Jacob, O. O., Akinde, A. O., & Abraham, O. (2023). Economic analysis and poverty status of artisanal fishing households in Ogun State, Nigeria. AKSU Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 7(3), 115–127.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
All articles published in our journal are licensed under CC-BY 4.0, which permits authors to retain copyright of their work. This license allows for unrestricted use, sharing, and reproduction of the articles, provided that proper credit is given to the original authors and the source.